February 8, 2010
Do you remember when you were a kid and had to remember an entire list of spelling words? I do… and I found it very tedious and really boring. Now, when my own children bring home their spelling lists and work hard to remember all of those words, I try to make it into something a little more interesting.
Keep in mind that every aspect of these spelling words is important.
Don’t just focus on how to spell these words correctly, but also make sure that your child knows each definition and how to use every word properly in a sentence.
To make this “chore” into a really enjoyable (and memorable) experience, try these tricks:
1) Make up silly sentences using each one of the spelling words individually.
2) Make up a funny story involving all of the words at once.
You don’t have to write out these out. You can just have fun with it by talking back and forth with your child, if that what works best for you at the time.
Spelling list example:
- played 11. angry
- isn’t 12. clapped
- sister 13. happy
- stopped 14. brother
- back 15. stand
- you’re 16. baby
- puppy 17. hugging
- silly 18. other
- wouldn’t 19. jogging
- I’ll 20. mother
Funny Story:
One day, my puppy went jogging without me! He was angry because I stopped standing on my head. “You’re supposed to be a happy puppy!” I yelled as I clapped my hands. But, he wouldn’t come back. My brother and sister started making silly faces, but even that didn’t work. Next, I heard my mother yell, “If that puppy isn’t back here in five minutes then you’re gonna have to stand on your head till he returns!” “I’ll find him!” I shouted. Then, I had an idea. I found my baby sister and made her stand on her head. Then, my happy puppy came back. We all started hugging and then we played for the rest of the day.
Lame is my middle name
I think its possible that I just wrote the lamest story of all time!
Well, you get where I’m going with this. Just make it interesting and fun, and your kids will be much more likely to remember these words and how to use them properly.
*On a side note: I want to thank all of my readers. You have been so supportive and I appreciate everything you do. I want you to know that you add something special to B.A. Bookworm by adding your own tips and experiences all wrapped up in a thoughtful comment. I am very thankful to you for helping B.A. Bookworm grow. Thank you!
February 4, 2010
What do you expect from your children when they get their report cards? To always make the grade? What is the grade that you feel your child is capable of making?
When I was a kid my parents were happy as long as I kept at least a C average…. and somehow I think that spoke to me. It made me think that being an average student was a fine place to be. Maybe it is a fine place to be, if you can say that you worked really hard, and studied for hours, and that was the very best you could do. But, for the most part, I couldn’t say that.
Is your kid average?
I’ll bet that none of you out there think that your child is average. I am certain that’s not what my parents thought of me either. But, by accepting grades that are less than your child’s full potential, you are sending them a message. That message is that you don’t have to try your best… that its okay to just go through the motions… and that just being good enough is good enough for me.
Being good enough is not good enough!
Yup, you heard right. Being good enough is not good enough when you know that your child can do better. When your children get their report cards I implore you to pay less attention to your child’s grades and look more closely at your child’s habits. Can you honestly say that your child has tried their very best? Even more important… can your child say that?
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars. ~Les Brown
That quote resonates exactly what we need to do as parents… to help our children not only be successful in school, but to also be a success in life. Raise the bar where your child is concerned. If that means he/she needs to study more, then that’s what needs to be done. Whatever your child needs to be successful, you need do your best to facilitate this because…
No child is an average child
We must expect more from our children. If we don’t then no one else will…. not even them.
February 3, 2010
When the kids are stuck indoors its easy to rely on electronics for entertainment, but sometimes we as parents have got to help the kids get their creative juices flowing the old fashioned way. Currently, at my house, we are going on day three of no school due to the weather. It wouldn’t be so bad if the kids could play outside, but unfortunately they are stuck inside since it keeps on raining along with the freezing cold temperatures. Now, its one thing for it to be cold while you’re playing outside, but being wet and cold is just no fun!
So…. what are the kids to do? We don’t watch much T.V. at home, but my kids do love to play video games and use computers. Once in a while however, I pull the plug on them. Around here we even have a name for a day like this. We call it: Read more…
January 30, 2010
Imagine a place with an endless supply of children’s books. Not just any books, but classic stories such as those we as adults had treasured in childhood. Now, add to that some magic and a loving character that mimics the coolest grandmother you’d ever hope to meet, and you’ve got Mrs.P’s.
Mrs. P’s is an interactive website that is smart, warm and light hearted. Oh, and did I mention that the site is free? It is! F.R.E.E. Mrs. P’s is a place where you’ll find all kinds of little surprises at every click. I have really been impressed with this site and even better, so has my daughter. It brings me so much joy to watch my little girls’ face light up while she shows me all of the virtual goodies offered there. Read more…
January 25, 2010
What have you done lately to reconnect with your kids? Although we want our children to have the best of everything, sometimes this is a goal that consumes us and we can lose focus. This week I encourage you to do things a little different. Turn off the T.V. and keep it off. Try something new with your kids or maybe do something you haven’t done in a while. Read more…
January 15, 2010
There’s a great big universe out there waiting to be explored by our children. But, before you get them all suited up for their upcoming journey, they’ll have to gain some knowledge about making this trip and learn about what to do once they reach their destination. Books are a valuable resource, one where you can learn about everything from sports, to fashion, and even rocket science. If there is any subject you’d like to learn more about, a great place to start is with the opening of a book. Read more….
January 11, 2010
Repetition is the key to learning. If you’ve been here before, you know that is a recurring theme here and if this is your first time visiting, I guarantee it is a phrase you will hear often when visiting B.A. Bookworm.
Repetition is key, especially when you are teaching a toddler/preschooler. Since you are so busy and a little one has such a short attention span then this is a match made in heaven! You just have to integrate mini lessons into your daily routines. Read more…
January 7, 2010
If you can help your child communicate comfortably with with you, then he/she will also be more confident when talking with others. Good communication skills will also help your child improve their writing, reading and speaking skills. Has this ever happened to you?
Parent: How was your day?
Child: Good.
Well, where can you go from there? Good…. um, that’s good.
What you really need here is a little more information. Read more…
January 4, 2010
Happy New Year everyone, it’s time to get serious and get back to work! Well, it is time to get back to work, but you don’t have to get totally serious with your kids, unless you’re talking about having some serious fun.
We love introducing you to games here at B.A. Bookworm, especially games that involve reading, math and movement. As an added bonus, this activity is one that allows you to amaze your kids with your prediction skills as well! Read more…
December 30, 2009
As a parent it’s important to teach our children that there are many things in our lives we have the power to accomplish, if we put in a strong effort. Help your children to reach their goals for this year by making them a personalized Power Calendar. Read more…
